Today HONOR announced at IFA 2019 the launch of PocketVision, an AI-powered app that makes it easier for the visually impaired and people with low vision to read. According to the World Health Organisation, it is estimated that approximately 1.3 billion people live with some form of visual impairment. PocketVision uses the power of HONOR’s AI (artificial intelligence) and superior quad-camera technology in the HONOR 20 PRO to deliver a portable, affordable alternative to other magnifiers and typoscopes currently on the market, creating an enhanced reading experience for people all around the world.

Developed by social enterprise Eyecoming and pioneered by HONOR’s cutting-edge technologies, PocketVision features three key modes to help people read more clearly.

Text-to-Speech Mode; powered by HONOR HiAI and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, this mode helps to convert pictures to text faster and more accurately. It then narrates the text from books, documents, menus and more with ease.

Zoom-In Mode; leveraging the HONOR 20 PRO’s 48MP quad-camera lens and 8MP telephoto lens for ultra-clarity, this mode allows users to zoom into text using the volume buttons on their device, making even the smallest type larger, less blurry and more legible.

Negative Image Mode; providing a range of colour filters to enhance the text, this mode improves the contrast of printed materials for people who struggle to see certain colours

“At HONOR, we believe in the relentless pursuit of innovation; creating cutting edge technologies which make a positive impact on the world,” said George Zhao, President of HONOR. “Harnessing the power of the HONOR 20 PRO’s next-generation AI capabilities and pro-grade camera technology, PocketVision aims to level the playing field for the visually impaired, giving this community a portable, affordable solution to other reading aids on the market. In launching this app, we hope to create an enhanced reading experience for people all around the world, enabling a greater sense of independence and giving people with low vision the confidence to unlock their potential and pursue their passions.”

Armed with best-in-class software and hardware, the HONOR 20 PRO offers users a truly intelligent experience. From its superior 48MP AI quad-camera, which takes ultra-clear shots from the day to night, to its 8MP telephoto lens which allows users to take extreme close-ups, capturing every detail has never been easier.

Powered by the 7nm Kirin 980 AI chipset, the device features a 4,000 mAh battery that can support a full day’s uninterrupted use, 256GB storage and a Virtual 9.1 Surround Sound system, allowing for a more conducive audio environment.

To help raise awareness of the barriers blind and partially sighted people face, HONOR has partnered with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) which supports people with vision impairment.

Robin Spinks, Senior Innovation and Technology Relationships Manager at RNIB commented: “Smartphone technology is playing an ever-increasing role in enabling everyday independence for blind and partially sighted people. PocketVision is an example of an exciting new category of apps that allow on-the-spot accessibility. Using this app, people with low vision have the ability to convert any text into a readable format, making the world a more accessible place, giving a greater sense of freedom and breaking down barriers to create a more inclusive society.”

PocketVision can be downloaded for free from today on the Huawei AppGallery and supports English, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese language.